Maybe you were lucky enough to find a way to make money out of your passion for crafts, and even launched your own crafting business.  But now you find yourself wondering how to make extra money from your crafts. One of the best and easiest ways to supplement your crafting business is by offering craft lessons.

How can you start your own crafting classes?  A good way to begin supplementing your crafting business is by organizing small home parties where you can invite friends, family members, and co-workers.  This is a wonderful way to ease into teaching.  If you’re a little nervous about the idea of teaching, remember that a home party is basically just a small gathering of friends.  Focus on your love for your craft have confidence in your skills, and the rest will follow.

At your home party, ensure that your guests have a memorable experience by making the lesson as pleasurable as possible. Prepare well, provide light refreshments, and send your guests off with a completed craft, or if this is not possible, some sort of sample or party favor. You can bet that if your guests have a good time and enjoyed the experience of crafting with you, they will tell their friends, and positive word of mouth will begin to spread. 

If you feel comfortable teaching at a professional level, you may want to seek out your local community college.  Many community colleges offer non-credit crafts classes that are always in need of instructors. Teaching part-time is an excellent way to supplement your income.  Be aware that to get this type of teaching position you will have to demonstrate significant knowledge and experience in your field.  If you are a novice in your craft area, the chances of getting hired for this type of position is slim. 

Teaching at a local college is not only a good way to make extra money, it also allows for an excellent opportunity to network and make contacts. When telling your students about your expertise and background, mention your crafting business.  This type of exposure is invaluable because you are targeting a room full of individuals who have a deep interest in your craft.

Teaching at the college level will also force you to become better at your craft. This is a benefit of teaching that is invaluable.  You will undoubtedly improve at your craft in the process of teaching. Teaching at a local community college may also serve to boost your crafting business by designating you with the unofficial title of ‘expert’ of your craft.  Where do people often go to seek expert advice on a very specialized topic?  Most people will seek out colleges, of course.  People who are interested in the type of craft you specialize in may begin to seek you out because of your status as a professional college instructor.  

Another way to supplement your crafting business by offering craft lessons is to visit your local crafts store or hobby shop.  As a professional craftsperson, you are probably already very familiar with these types of businesses.  If you haven’t done so already, introduce yourself to the store management.  Explain that you operate your own crafting business.  Be well prepared with professional business cards and, if possible, a portfolio or a sample of your work.  The more professional your presentation is, the better your chances of landing an opportunity to teach. 

 If the store does not offer a class or workshop on your area of expertise, offer to design a workshop. Many of the workshops featured at local hobby shops are run by volunteers.  If you are truly interested in using teaching as a valuable networking tool for your crafting business, you should be willing to volunteer your time. Most of these classes are run on a short-term basis (most only meeting once or twice), so you won’t necessarily have to spend a great deal of time teaching these workshops. Remember to be prepared with business cards and your portfolio during these workshops.  

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